Thoughts on the 2016 Presidential Election

From Rabbi Jamie Gibson…  

            Elisabeth Kubler-Ross framed our understanding of grieving through her famous five stages - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

            Although bargaining is clearly out of this frame, the other stages sound remarkably apt with how many are dealing with the result of the election this week.

            Many of us are not able to comprehend how the election turned out, especially with the steady drumbeat of polls and news coverage that indicated that a different outcome was likely.  Even those supporting Mr. Trump seemed surprised of their victory by the end of Election night.

            The shattering of expectations along with not being able to reconcile with Mr. Trump’s message and style, are making this post-election time even more challenging than the Presidential election 16 years ago.

            “What should we do?” I’ve heard a dozen and more times this week.  A few thoughts, none of which will take away the burden of walking the stages of grief.

            First and foremost:  Breathe.  It’s not time to act, even though some want to lash out.  We are okay.  We are not doomed.  The harsh words that made it seem like the world would come to an end are just that, words.  Breathe and know that we are going to be better than we feared in our nightmares.

            Second:  Think.  Take stock of everything that will be emerging over the next few weeks and months leading up to Inauguration Day.  Protest is understandable, but might not be the most effective response if you opposed Mr. Trump.  Thinking about how life might be under the new administration will help focus attention and energy.

            Third:  Connect.  If you are grieving over Hillary Clinton’s loss, you are certainly not alone.  There are other caring, intelligent friends and colleagues for all of us to share concerns, fears and even anger.  Experiencing the intensity of these emotions all by ourselves can hurt us.  Coming together can succor us, remind us that we are not alone, that we are able to respond based on our highest values and principles, not just tomorrow, but over the next four years.

            The last stage, acceptance, may not come for some among us.  If so, let the anger inside move us to make our deeply held Jewish values of caring for the stranger, justice, tolerance, equality and fairness more evident in daily life throughout our society.

            I believe in America more than I have ever believed in any one candidate or party.  We survived Millard Fillmore, for goodness sakes.  I believe in a nation that will rise above our petty hatreds and divisions.  I believe in E Pluribus Unum, “out of many, one.”  One nation out of countless different peoples, races, nationalities, tongues.  A rainbow of light for us all.  Look up, not down.   As Maya Angelou put it so beautifully and simply, “We rise.”

 Click to view the Statement from the Reform Jewish Movement on the Presidential Election.